In a fascinating conversation, Arnold Schwarzenegger shares his journey from iconic actor to governor. He emphasizes the importance of being useful as a guiding principle for a meaningful life. Schwarzenegger also reflects on the roles of community and teamwork in achieving success, challenging the 'self-made man' myth. With amusing anecdotes about fitness and life lessons from his experiences, he encourages nurturing empathy in children and making personal growth a priority. Prepare for insight and inspiration from this multifaceted powerhouse!
Giving back and being useful to others is essential for a meaningful life.
Regular exercise and a consistent morning routine have positive effects on the mind and body.
Recognizing the help and support of others and using success to make a positive impact are crucial.
Deep dives
The Importance of Giving Back
Arnold Schwarzenegger emphasizes the significance of giving back and being useful to others. He shares his own experiences of receiving help and support when he first arrived in America and acknowledges that his success is not solely due to his own efforts. He believes in the importance of gratitude and feels a sense of duty to contribute to society by helping those in need. Schwarzenegger discusses his involvement in various charitable initiatives, such as Special Olympics and after-school programs, and how he encourages his own children to participate in philanthropic activities.
The Value of Exercise and Morning Routine
Schwarzenegger highlights the importance of regular exercise and maintaining a consistent morning routine. He emphasizes the positive impact of physical fitness on both the body and the mind. Schwarzenegger shares his own routine, which includes feeding and exercising his animals, followed by a bike ride and a workout at the gym. He stresses the need to prioritize exercise and avoid distractions, such as checking phones or emails, before completing the morning routine. Schwarzenegger describes how exercise energizes him, enhances his mood, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Recognizing the Support and Opportunities Received
Schwarzenegger emphasizes that success is not achieved in isolation and highlights the pivotal role others have played in his career. He acknowledges the directors, trainers, and various professionals who have helped shape his career in bodybuilding and acting. Schwarzenegger emphasizes the importance of gratitude and giving credit to those who have supported and mentored him. He also discusses his experience as governor of California and his commitment to giving back to the American people. Schwarzenegger encourages individuals to recognize the assistance they receive and to use their success to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
The Power of Working Out and Visualization
Working out has a profound impact on one's well-being, providing a sense of accomplishment and usefulness that extends into other areas of life. It can generate great ideas and serve as a form of meditation. Visualization plays a crucial role as well, allowing individuals to clearly see their goals and create the energy and joy needed to pursue them. The speaker shares personal examples, such as visualizing becoming the world champion in bodybuilding, which propelled him to achieve his goals.
Having a Vision and Overcoming Doubt
Having a clear vision is key to success, even in the face of doubt and criticism. The speaker emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and not listening to naysayers who dismiss ambitious goals. He shares how he proved people wrong, from becoming an action star despite doubts about his accent and physique, to convincing studios to fund a comedy movie featuring him and Danny DeVito. The speaker highlights that staying focused on a vision and not comparing oneself to others is vital, as everyone's journey is unique.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian and American actor, businessman, filmmaker, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder best known for his roles in high-profile action movies. He served as the 38th governor of California from 2003 to 2011 and was among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2004 and 2007. Ryan speaks with Arnold Schwarzenegger on how to be useful, the mental, physical and psychological benefits to nurturing the mind and body, their shared love for animals, running for governor and more at the 92NY in New York City.
Be Useful: Seven Tools For Lifeis written with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s uniquely earnest, blunt, powerful voice. It takes readers on an inspirational tour through his toolkit for a meaningful life. Arnold shows us how to put those tools to work, in service of whatever fulfilling future we can dream up for ourselves. He brings his insights to vivid life with compelling personal stories, life-changing successes and life-threatening failures alike—some of them famous, some told here for the first time.
